A Birth Defect Lawyer Can Help Your Family Achieve Justice

A birth defect in a child can dramatically alter your family's life. It is crucial to act fast in the event that a medical professional committed an error during your pregnancy which caused the condition of your child.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you file a claim against the parties responsible. In the meantime, begin collecting receipts, bills and statements from credit cards.

The causes of birth defects

The exact causes of birth defects aren't always known. Some birth defects result from genetic issues. Genes that are not functioning properly or are totally absent (like Turner Syndrome and Down Syndrome) could cause these. They are also caused by chromosomal issues in which one or more chromosomes are either too many or too few cells.

The majority of these problems are diagnosed during utero via ultrasound or amniocentesis. A sample of amniotic fluid is taken and tested to detect genetic mutations and chromosomal anomalies. In some instances doctors, however, don't find the birth defect until the child is born or has symptoms, such as an extra finger, cleft lip, or club foot.

In addition to genetic and chromosomal issues birth defects can be caused by issues with the nervous system or brain and musculoskeletal issues that affect joints, muscles and bones. They can vary from mild to serious and impact an individual's appearance or functioning, including their learning capabilities as well as their strength and mobility.

While some birth defects cannot be prevented, some are. Couples with a history of certain inherited diseases should consider testing their genetics before attempting to have children. Additionally avoidance of certain chemicals such as drugs, infections, and other environmental factors can decrease the chance of developing certain birth defects. Medical negligence or malpractice in the treatment of a pregnant woman could also contribute to birth defects. It's crucial to consult a birth defect lawyer when you suspect that an error in medical care may have contributed to the condition of your child.

Medical Malpractice

Medical negligence lawsuits that involve birth defects are typically complex and require expert medical evidence. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will assist you and your family get the compensation needed to ensure your child's normal life.

Your attorney will first pinpoint the birth defect of your child and link it to the medical professionals who were involved in the birth. Your attorney should also be aware of the date the date that the birth defect of your child was identified. This is important since it will tell you the time you have until the statute of limitation expires to file your claim.

Your attorney should have access to any documents you might have regarding the birth defect of your child, including invoices, receipts and credit card transactions. This information can help your attorney establish the extent of your child's injuries and determine the types of compensation you are entitled to.

Birth defects can be caused through a variety of factors like genetic conditions, medication or chemicals, or exposure to infections and illnesses. The majority of birth defect are not caused by negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice claims are only valid if a physician does not fulfill his or her duty to care and this negligence results in a birth injury.

Drugs

Birth defects are atypical conditions that appear in a baby's body when it is born or during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains that these defects can affect any part of the body and can be mild or even life-threatening.

These conditions are typically caused by the mother's lifestyle or genetics. In some instances medical malpractice can be the cause of the child's condition. An experienced Hyattsville birth defect attorney defect lawyer can assist a parent determine the source of their child's condition and take legal actions.

Drugs could cause grave birth defects in the foetus. These substances are referred to as Teratogens, and they include prescription drugs and illicit street drugs. Thalidomide is an example. It was once a widely used sleep aid and anti-nausea pregnancy medication, but was later discovered to be one of the most devastating birth defects linked to drugs in history. It caused limb reduction defects and other physical and mental impairments.

Doctors have a professional obligation to evaluate the risks of certain medication they prescribe to pregnant women. They commit malpractice when they fail to take this step. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists are held to the responsibility of educating women about the risk of taking their medications.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

While many birth defects are the result of an unfortunate genetic anomaly that could not have been prevented, some of them are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals while in the uterus. These chemicals can be present in the medicines a pregnant woman takes or in environmental pollutants at the workplace or at home or even in harmful chemicals in a workplace. These chemicals, also known as teratogens can cause serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. They may also trigger problems with development, skeletal abnormalities in the brain, as well as muscular dystrophy.

Certain toxins, like arsenic and cadmium are found in drinking water and soil. Lead is a frequent contaminant that can be found in house paint artwork materials plastics, cosmetics, and even plastics. Other toxins include pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been shown to increase birth defects.

A lawyer with expertise in birth defect cases can help parents determine if a drug or chemical was the cause for the birth injury suffered by their child. In these cases our lawyers can pursue a product liability lawsuit against a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer who designed and produced dangerous chemical or medication. We can also start a lawsuit to sue doctors who prescribe drugs which are known to cause adverse side effects for pregnant women.